ACA Finally Releases BPL Paper for Comment

This is from the Australian Citizens Radio Emergency Monitors (A C R E M) web site
http://www.acrem.org.au/bpl/ACAPaper.htm

ACA Discussion Paper for Public Comment
29th April 2005 - the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has released the long awaited request for public comment on BPL. Below is the original e-mail received from the ACA together with the link to the ACA web page containing the discussion paper.

We would urge EVERYONE to download and read the discussion paper and make a submission before the closing date on 24th June 2005.

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The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has called for public comment on possible ways to manage interference from Broadband over Power Line (BPL) communications.

BPL communications is an emerging technology that uses electricity networks to transmit data, voice and video.

The challenge for the ACA is to establish arrangements that did not unnecessarily inhibit BPL deployments and protected radio communications services from unacceptable interference.

The paper contains a range of options that could be used to manage interference from BPL systems and will assist interested parties prepare their submissions.

Using the electricity network to carry BPL signals will result in leakage of radio frequency emission into the surrounding environment. This could interfere with radio communications services.

Interference could potentially affect defence operations, shortwave broadcasting, maritime and aeronautical communications, radio astronomy, amateur radio and numerous short range applications

Submissions and comments on the options in the discussion paper would assist the ACA to develop arrangements to manage interference from BPL communications systems.

A copy of the discussion paper can be found on the ACA website:

http://internet.aca.gov.au/ACAINTER.65650:STANDARD:1015363634:pc=PC_2845